The tax relief scheme for first-time buyers ends on December 31st, so anyone who wants to avail of it will have to find a house – and finance – fast WITH REPORTS that prices are levelling off in some areas and a temporary Government tax relief to cushion buyers for the first five years of […]
Quinn says case for jailing him not proven
THE FORMER Anglo Irish Bank has failed to tell the Supreme Court exactly what Seán Quinn jnr is being held in prison for and has conceded there was “no direct evidence” to support a finding of contempt against him, his lawyer argued yesterday. While just one finding of contempt was made against Quinn, he was […]
Parents of severely brain-damaged boy face legal bill of €500,000
THE PARENTS of a severely brain-damaged child are facing a legal bill of more than €500,000 after losing their High Court action over alleged negligence in their son’s treatment after birth at the National Maternity Hospital. Linda Duffy, of Glen Drive, The Park, Cabinteely, Dublin, wiped away tears as Mr Justice Seán Ryan said he […]
HSE cuts to hit services for the elderly and disabled
Cuts affecting the elderly and the disabled feature strongly in a €130 million cost-reduction package announced by the HSE today. Some 600,000 home-help hours are being cut, the second time this service has been cut this year, while €10 million will be saved through a reduction in personal assistant hours for the disabled. Another €1.7 […]
Property tax based on house value to be in force by mid-2013
A PROPERTY tax based on house valuation is set to be in force by the middle of next year as part of the troika bailout programme. Minister for Finance Michael Noonan yesterday insisted the system had not been finalised, but the Cabinet has agreed the tax will form part of December’s budget. The Cabinet is […]
Ruling may affect financial entitlements of ex-spouses
THE HIGH Court has delivered a judgment that is likely to change the way in which separated and divorced spouses are provided for following the death of either party. A judgment delivered recently by Mr Justice Michael Peart means it will no longer be routine for a court to issue a “blocking order” preventing an […]
‘Major savings’ from sick pay reform
The Government believes substantial savings will be generated as a result of new arrangements which will effectively halve sick leave entitlements for 300,000 staff across the public service. However, the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Brian Hayes, said in addition to the reforms absenteeism had to be rooted out […]
Property restriction for solicitors agreed
THE COUNCIL of the Law Society has voted to ban solicitors from acting for both sides in a property transaction. The new regulation, which will make it a disciplinary offence to act for both sides, will come into force next January. This follows the consideration of an extensive report on the issue by a taskforce, […]